Stunned parents have hit out at a school after their children were put in isolation for wearing “inappropriate” uniform.

On their first day back at George Stephenson High, in Killingworth, a large number of pupils were told their uniform was not correct and were placed in ‘timeout’.

Around 100 students were affected because of issues such as having the wrong shoes, trousers or skirts.

Many believe the school was being too harsh and say their children’s uniform was appropriate.

However, the school stressed parents had been warned a more stringent approach to enforcing uniform policy would be in place from the start of the new term.

Elizabeth Jenkins (14) from Percy Main, who was put in 'timeout' by her school because her skirt was deemed too short ---- Pictured with Mum Julie Haley (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Julie Haley’s daughter Elizabeth Jenkins was given timeout because of her skirt.

The 14-year-old was told it was the wrong style.

The 42-year-old, a carer, of Percy Main, said: “Elizabeth was wearing a plain black pencil skirt, just above the knee. Apparently it was ‘inappropriate’ but I don’t understand why. It’s a plain black skirt and meets their requirements.

“The skirt is of acceptable length, smart and certainly not designer in any way. It has no revealing slits.

“Elizabeth was at school for around 10 minutes before she was put in timeout. She was really upset. However, her friend who was wearing a similar skirt was not sent to timeout. Apparently her friend was not seen by the member of staff who saw Elizabeth.

“I understand there is a need for a uniform policy but surely if it is going to work then it needs to be enforced by all members of staff across the board.

“The children have just had a day of their education wasted.”

Read More

Ian Wilkinson, headteacher of George Stephenson High, said their uniform policy is the same as it’s always been.

He added: “Our uniform is an essential part of our identity and it helps to project the best possible image of the school, reinforcing good behaviour and with an established link to high educational attainment in the classroom.

“This was agreed with the full support of our governors and meant that anyone coming to school in trainers, denim jackets, hoodies, and other non-uniform items of clothing would be temporarily taken out of lessons and into the Student Support Base until the situation could be resolved.”

Another mum says her two boys had the same experience after they were told they had the wrong shoes.

She said: “They were both put into timeout because of their shoes. They were wearing plain black sensible low-heeled shoes and were of the same design as the ones the school deem acceptable.

Elizabeth Jenkins (14) from Percy Main, who was put in 'timeout' by her school because her skirt was deemed too short (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

“I understand that students need to adhere to uniform regulations, but if they are going to be so strict about what type of shoes are acceptable then the school should provide the footwear themselves.”

But Mr Wilkinson said it was not the first time parents had been told about the stricter approach.

He added: “We have been communicating this to parents since last May to make sure that everyone understood our approach. We were therefore really disappointed by the number of students not wearing the full correct uniform on the first day of our new term.

“We recognise this is not the ideal start, however, the vast majority did attend wearing the correct uniform and we remain committed to enforcing the policy as stated.”

Emma Ferguson’s sons Rhys and Kaiden were also not allowed in class.

She said: “The school says they are not going to teach the children because of incorrect footwear and trousers. It’s absolutely ridiculous.

“So many pupils were put in timeout over issues like this - a number of classrooms were full and the school gym was full of children in timeout.”